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Stephen's Story

Stephen, 48, has spent his life supporting young people via a richly varied teaching career spanning three decades, but when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer he found it hard to ask for help himself. When he was referred to Thames Hospice last November at a difficult point in his treatment, Stephen discovered support, positivity, joy and a combination of proactive care and honesty that has proved crucial in his personal journey.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Stephen is currently accessing social, physical and wellbeing support at the Hospice’s Paul Bevan Wellbeing Centre, benefiting from a range of services, including Complementary Therapies, Physiotherapy and treatment for Lymphoedema, as well as a whole community of care.

Stephen says, “When I came to the Hospice I was very physically and mentally rundown, but was wrapped in a blanket of care that was social, spiritual and holistic. It was exactly what I needed. There’s a lot of joy at the Hospice and I experienced an injection of positivity, it was a perfect fusion of care.”

Stephen visits the Hospice each week. Under the 1-2-1 supervision of the Hospice’s Physiotherapy Team he uses the Rehabilitation Centre, focussing on exercises to help rebuild strength, which is very important to Stephen so he can continue to tend to his allotment and get around on his bicycle.


“The attitude of the staff and volunteers is ‘can do, can care’, and it’s clear the whole team love their jobs. The way they all work seamlessly together is nigh on perfect. It is care delivered with skill and sensitivity and that makes it so easy to receive.”

Stephen is now several months into a new course of treatment which it is hoped can slow down the disease. He adds, “I’ve been blown away with the discreet way the team has rolled out my bespoke care plan. I feel enveloped by so many people looking after my needs. It’s a cumulative feeling that’s so reassuring.

“At the moment hospice care is everything to me. It’s making me want to get better and even return to the classroom. When I think of Thames Hospice the overall feeling is of love, and that’s the glue that holds everything together.”

Make a difference

Our services are free of charge to all those in our community who need vital hospice care but this is only made possible through the charitable support and generosity of our amazing community. We need to raise £34,000 each day to fund our services 365 days a year to the people who need us most.

We’ve never needed you, our wonderful supporters, more than we need you today. Please donate what you can to help keep hospice care available for those in desperate need.

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Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

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